Here is a brief summary of the KC Green Summit on Apr. 25, 2008:
 
1. The Keynote Speaker was Emmanuel Cleaver, the Congressman from the Fifth District, whick covers most of Kansas City south of the river.
      He said that the environment is a moral issue and an issue of justice. He also criticized the $400 million retirement package of the outgoing Ceo of Exxon. He pointed out all the good this money could do if it was going toward healthcare, education, etc. For example, 39 million Americans are impoverished. Also, Asthma is now the major killer of minorities. 
      Since Rep. Cleaver is also Rev. Cleaver, an ordained Methodist minister, and an African-American, this is particularly strong.
      Rep. Cleaver said that all 27 nations of the EU are fighting to be the 'Greenest' in the Union. In contrast, the U.S. is lagging behind in denying the science of global warming. However, all 3 major Presidential candidates are pushing for 'green', and have acknowledged climate change. 
       Meanwhile, China begins construction of coal-fired power plants every 10 days. India is doing the same.
 
2. The next speaker was Chris Kloss, of the Low Impact Development Center.
       He emphasized the cost benefits of Green Infrastructure.
       He focused on Stormwater and Combined Sewer Overflows, trying to prevent water from getting into the sewer system. He said that a small scale, distributed system is a less costly approach, and that it would take advantage of natural forces.
        He spoke of the connection of using water efficiently, to the reduction of carbon footprints.
        He discussed policy impacts and EPA activity.
        His contact information is:
              Chris Kloss
               Low Impact Center
              301-982-5559
 
3. Next were Scott Struch and Ben Hough of Tetra Tech.
 
        They gave national to local examples of green solutions and environmental protection efforts. They pointed out that all issues have a complex relationship. They gave an example of using rainwater to grow liveable communities.
        They said there are common elements of successful projects. Among these are:
           a. Stakeholder participation
           b. Integrated planning and development
           c. Community values
       Negative factors are:
            a. Lack of technical expertise
            b. Restrictive regulatory processes
        Green solutions have multiple community benefits.
        The strategies to overcome barriers include:
              a. Define and quantify the benefits
              b. Develop incentives and measure their effectiveness.
 
4. Water Issues was next on the agenda. This  was a panel discussion by four members of the KC City Council. The members were Ed Ford (moderator), Cindy Circo, Melba Curls, Jan Marcason.
       Jan Marcason emphasized: Integration, Integration, Integration. For example, Light Rail and the redoing of the city's sewers both involve tearing up the city's streets. Both might be done together, or there may be conflicts between the two, and priorities will have to be determined. 'Streetscape', the greening of the streets, would also be a factor.
      Kansas City has set itself the goal of becoming the nation's Greenest City. An example of what it plans are Green Roofs, especially on new buildings.
      The Cornerstone Project is the Headquarters for Integrated Green. See www.ASTRAwow.com and www.rainkc.com.
          
5. Next, Jason Holtzman, a Missouri State Representative on the Energy and Environment Committee, spoke on
      1. MORELA, the Missouri Renewable Energy Loan Authority.
          This act provides low interest loans to finance energy projects.
 
       2. House Bill 1862: Food should not be Fuel (probably referring to corn used for ethanol).
 
       3. Nuclear power
                There are benefits, but the downside is that spent fuel rods are being stored, instead
                of recycled, as in Europe.
        4. Missouri is currently 8th in the nation in producing carbon emissions.
        5. RPS (Renewable Portfolio Standards) ballot issue:
                By 2020, 20% (of energy) must come from Renewable Energy 
 
6. Majora Carter, the founder of Sustainable South Bronx, and a MacArthur Genius Award winner, was the next speaker.
         She mentioned problem areas, such as White Flight (aka. Blockbusting) causing the deterioration of urban areas. She mentioned Redlining, a practice long used by banks to avoid investing in certain areas (such as predominantly black). She also referred to Robert Moses as a highway addict.
        Then she talked about EST (?) - Bronx Environmental Stewardship Training. She said that after 4 years, 85% of the participants were employed or in college.
         She called this Crime prevention by Environmental Design.
         Her web page is Green For All, www.greenforall.org
 
7. The last part consisted of small group workshops by the attendees. I worked on the Streetscape
    project. I will followup on this with a separate discussion entry.